Ice challenge makes its way to Glendale High

Glendale High Principal Monica Makiewicz agreed on Friday to have a bucket of ice water poured over her head as part of a trend that has recently swept the country to raise awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

The viral “Ice Bucket Challenge,” taken on by celebrities and sports figures, calls on people to donate money to the ALS Assn. or have a bucket of ice water dumped on them.

PHOTOS: Glendale High takes part in Ice Bucket Challenge

ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that can paralyze the body.

“The kids came and asked me yesterday, and I didn’t have a lot of time to think about it,” Makiewicz said. “It’s for a great cause.”

Glendale High junior Justin Driffill was challenged by a friend, and in turn, he challenged Makiewicz.

After Makiewicz and six other teachers were soaked one by one with water as hundreds of students looked on, Makiewicz announced a new challenge for her fellow principals, Rene Valdes at Daily High, Linda Junge at Crescenta Valley High and Jennifer Earl at Hoover High.

The challenge had raised more than $9 million in donations as of Friday, according to the ALS Assn.